Our Lord dismisses the appearance, but looks at the very depths of the heart
"Do not consider his appearance of his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7
The story of the anointing of King David in the Bible, as told in the Book of Samuel teaches us an invaluable lesson about the value of a person's heart.
Especially in our contemporary society, where physical looks and garments seem to prevail over sincerity and purity of heart, this biblical episode teaches us how our Lord looks at individuals.
King David is described as a man "according to God's own heart". He will be anointed to replace Saul who has been quite deceitful.
The Lord is sending Samuel to Jesse, in Bethlehem, to anoint one of his sons. At first, He does not specify who is the chosen one, but lets Samuel known about the action plan:
"How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rehected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your wau; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king."
Samuel is afraid, because Saul is still king of Israel and he could indeed kill him. But God gives him further instructions.
He must bring a heifer to sacrifice for the Lord and invite Jesse to the sacrifice.
As Jesse enters with his sons, Samuel glances at Eliab, probably because of his beautiful appearance, yet the Lord states:
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at . People look at the outwars appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Then comes Abinadab as another candidate. God does not want him either.
After Jesse's seven sons had passed before Samuel, none of them fits:
"The Lord has not chosen these. So he asked Jesse: "Are these all the sons you have?"
Jesse probably had not thought of his youngest son, who was taking care of the sheep.
"Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives. So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features."
"Then the Lord said: "Rise and anoint him; this is the one." So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David."
We learn from this text that David was "glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features". So king David was still a handsome person to look at, but he was probably disregarded, because he was the youngest of the family and a simple shepherd.
Adonai looked at the very depths of David's heart and anointed him as the King of Israel.
May we all be humble enough to look at the heart of the persons that cross our road before we start judging on their external appearances. May our Lord help us to develop a total purity of heart, because in the end, the heart is all that matters.
Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
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